The Amazing Festivals Of India – January

by admin on January 25, 2011

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When it comes to celebrating the different Fairs and Festivals of India, then how can the people of this Wonderful Place be left behind? At the time of celebrating everyone comes together irrespective of Cast, Creed or Religion. So let’s go on a journey and be a part of these wonderful Fairs and Festivals of India.

Lohri Bonfire

Lohri: (January) The Festival of Lohri is Celebrated on 13th January Every Year, It is then when the sun changes its course. It is the Coldest Day of the Year. This Festival is actually a Punjabi Festival where people get together and sit around a Bonfire. There is lots of Singing, Dancing and of course how can one Forget Lots of Eating. The most famous thing that one has on Lohri is Makki Ki Roti (Corn Bread) and Sarson Ka Saag (Green Mustard and Spinach) and let’s not forget the Huge Dollop of White Butter, both on the Makki Ki Roti and Sarson Ka Saag. Already feeling full? So go ahead, Sing and Dance, Enjoy Punjabi Music and don’t worry about the Butter because you will dance the night away and enjoy the cold weather and of course you will get to know how warm the people of India are. Still is there a doubt in your mind? Come and experience it for yourself.

Kite Flying Festival Delhi

Kite Flying Festival of India (January): People from all over India and abroad come to take part in the Kite Flying Festival in Delhi. The best place to be is near Palika Bazaar at Connaught Place to enjoy this festival. Colorful kites of different shapes and sizes beautify the skies of Delhi. How can a Kite Flying Festival be complete without a little Competition or should we say Friendly Kite Fights? Many Prizes and Trophies are given out for various categories during this colorful Kite Festival. So go ahead and decide for yourself as to who should be the winner in your mind. Even if you don’t wish to comment and tickle your mind as to who is the winner, then just admire the Beautiful Colors in the sky just adding that extra hue to Delhi.

Pongal Festival of India

Pongal (January): This Festival is celebrated in Tamilnadu and in other Places in India it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. It is a very important Festival for the farmers. In Tamil Language Pongal means “Boiling Over or Spilling Over”. During Pongal a Clay Pot is used to boil milk and if the milk spills then that signifies Material Abundance, Good Luck and Prosperity. Thank you Prayers are offered to the Sun God-Surya for a Good Harvest and in creating material abundance and that is why the First Grain of the good harvest is offered to the Sun God.

Republic Day (26th January): The Republic Day of India is celebrated on the date on which

Republic Day - Marching Away

the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India on 26 January 1950. The Republic Day Parade is held at Rajpath, in the National Capital-New Delhi where it starts from Rashtrapati Bhawan, moving along to Rajpath then passes the India Gate and finishes at the Red Fort. Even if you miss the Parade the Jhanki’s or floats can be seen here. Before the Republic Day Parade commences the Prime Minister lays a floral garland at the Amar Jawan Jyoti which is a memorial of the unknown soldiers at India Gate which is then followed by 2 minutes silence in the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives. After the President arrives with the chief guest, everyone stands up as the President unfurls the National Flag and then the National Anthem is played followed by a 21 Gun Salute. Before the Armed Forces (Army, Navy & Air Force) start their march past which is just so amazing to watch, important awards such as the Kirti Chakra and Ashok Chakra are given by the President. After the March Past is over by the various Armed Forces you will see Jhanki’s or floats that display the different Cultures of various States of India and the music is played accordingly. The Parade ends with a Fly Past by Indian Air Force Jets. The Republic Day Celebrations can be watched on National Television by millions all over the country.

Beating the Retreat Ceremony (29th January): The Beating the Retreat Ceremony is Held in the Capital City-New Delhi. It happens every year 3 days after the Republic Day Celebrations. It is held at the Victory Square with the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the background. According to Old Tradition Soldiers called a close down to the war at sunset. It was the sound of trumpets that vibrated across the battlefield which was the end of the fighting. This Ceremony starts of with the Armed Forces performing lively executions. After performances are over, a Hymn is played collectively by the bands called “Abide with me”. After which at 6.00 pm. The sound off call is heard and the National Flag is lowered followed by singing of the National Anthem. The silhouetted riders move away from the background which marks the end of the Republic Day Celebrations. Also you will notice that till the Beating the Retreat Ceremony is finished India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Victory Square and all the surrounding areas are beautifully illuminated. A sight which is a Must Watch.

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